Don'T-Cook-The-Pasta Manicotti
A no-cook manicotti dish featuring a savory meat sauce, rich cheeses, and tender pasta shells, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 4 c. tomato juice, divided ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided ⓘ
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. pkg. manicotti shells ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Drain well to remove excess fat.
- Stir in 2 cups of tomato juice, tomato paste, sugar, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce while preparing the filling and pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the mozzarella with a combination of ricotta and feta for a creamier filling. If you're short on time, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. This dish is a great way to use up leftover tomato juice from other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Don't-Cook-The-Pasta Manicotti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish with added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Quick-Baked Pasta for a hearty Italian feast, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the manicotti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Don'T-Cook-The-Pasta Manicotti contains roughly 1034 calories, with 54g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (255% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2383mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed manicotti and cover it with sauce before refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.
What can I use instead of manicotti shells?
If you can't find manicotti shells, you can use large pasta tubes like cannelloni or even lasagna noodles. Just roll the filling in the noodles instead of stuffing them, and layer them in the baking dish.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the manicotti but don't bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).